> Also, I assume the 285 is the newer version of the > 283? Are they rated the same in terms of power > output?
The 285HV and the 283 are both current production models. The GN of the 285HV @ 50mm zoom is the same as the GN of the 283. The 285HV has a built in manual optical zoom on the flash head. It has three settings -- 35, 50, and 105mm equivalent for 35mm camera lenses. There is also a diffuser for 28mm coverage. The flash has a a built-in vari-power control that adjusts by full stops (1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8); 4 stops. The 283's _optional_ vari-power control replaces the front sensor and is infinitely adjustable. Though it gives you a lot of flexibility, it is reputed to be quite touchy and hard to get repeatable values. Both flashes have incompatible setups to remote the sensor and trigger off-strobe. In other words, you need different cables for each, even though they look similar. Accessories from other manufacturers for the 283 are more common than those for the 285HV. Gel holders, fresnel focus lenses, diffusers, etc are relatively easy to find for the 283. Because of the zoom headon the 285HV , you need a different set of mounts to attach filters and other components to the 285 than you do the 283. They seem evenly matched -- the built-in zoom head and power control on the 285HV give you some flexibility straight out of the box. The 283 is simpler, hence more robust, and has more after-market light modifiers. Bolo -- Josef T. Burger - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
